In honor of ALA Banned Books Week, held every September, here are the current top 10 banned books in the US and the reasons these books have been challenged.
The American Library Association (ALA) recently revealed that the past year saw a 65 percent increase in censorship incidents, with over 4,200 titles facing challenges, the highest amount since the ALA began tracking in 2001. With libraries serving as vital community resources, protecting access to diverse literature becomes increasingly important, particularly for young readers seeking support and understanding.
The data also shows a concerning trend in book censorship. Nearly half of the targeted works are authored by or about LGBTQIA+ individuals or people of color.
Here are the top 10 most frequently challenged books, with a notable seven of them exploring LGBTQIA+ themes or characters.
Top 10 Banned Books in the US
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What is Banned Books Week?
Banned Books Week 2024 is scheduled for September 22-28. This year’s theme, “Freed Between the Lines,” highlights the importance of intellectual freedom and the ongoing fight against censorship. This annual event reminds readers of the voices and stories that have been silenced or challenged throughout history and encourages them to explore literature that has faced this scrutiny.
“Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. By focusing on efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
In a time of intense political polarization, library staff in every state are facing an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 1,247 demands to censor library books and resources in 2023. The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by OIF in more than 20 years of tracking: 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for removal from schools and libraries. This tops the previous high from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship. Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts.
We can find freedom in the pages of a book — but book bans and censorship threaten that freedom, along with many other rights and institutions. During Banned Books Week 2024 and beyond, let’s share our love of right to read and the freedom found in books. Let’s be Freed Between the Lines!”
Source: ALA Banned Books Week (September 22-28, 2024)
10 Most-Frequently Challenged Books
Reading banned books can be a real eye-opener. They tackle important issues and challenge the status quo in ways that can change your perspective. So, how about turning it into a challenge to read all 10 of the most banned books?
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Banned/Challenged for “LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.”
Sometimes, we read books to see ourselves in them. Other times, we read them to learn and become empathetic about what others are going through. This coming-of-age memoir explores author Maia Kobabe’s journey of self-identity as a nonbinary and asexual person. Through candid storytelling within the format of a graphic novel, Maia addresses the complexities of adolescence, coming out, and navigating personal relationships, making the book a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand gender diversity.
My Thoughts: The most banned book in the U.S. in 2024, Gender Queer shares a deeply personal story. It can be a helpful resource for parents, young people, and anyone open to being empathetic to what others may be going through.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Banned/Challenged for “LGBTQIA+ content and claimed to be sexually explicit.”
Journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson shares powerful personal essays reflecting on his experiences growing up as a queer Black youth in New Jersey and Virginia. The book offers a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the challenges faced during adolescence, making it both heartfelt and enlightening.
My Thoughts: Readers share that this book helped them embrace vulnerability and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. In an interview, Johnson, the author, shared that he wrote this book because it was what he needed as a young person going through these experiences. He hopes his story will help others feel seen and find self-acceptance.
This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson
Banned/Challenged for “LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, and claimed to be sexually explicit.”
This bestselling young adult non-fiction book is actually a complete guide to understanding all forms of sexuality and gender identity. Packed with humor, real stories, and insightful advice, it addresses topics like coming out, relationships, and sexuality, making it an essential read for anyone curious about the LGBTQ+ experience.
My Thoughts: This book is a valuable resource for young adults, parents, and educators. This candid exploration permits diverse readers to feel that their identities are valid and celebrated.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Banned/Challenged “claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, and profanity.”
This heartfelt coming-of-age novel (which was also a 2012 movie starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson) captures the complexities of adolescence through the eyes of Charlie, a reflective high school outsider navigating friendship, love, and loss. This powerful story resonates with readers, reminding them they are not alone in their struggles and triumphs.
My Thoughts: First published in 1999, this honest portrayal of teenage life remains just as relevant today. Whether you read it, watch it, or both, it’s a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own journey of growing up. Also, I read a review where they highly recommend the audio version.
Flamer by Mike Curato
Banned/Challenged for “LGBTQIA+ content, and claimed to be sexually explicit.”
Award-winning author Mike Curato draws on personal experiences to tell the heartfelt story of Aiden Navarro, a young boy grappling with his identity during a transformative summer at camp. As he navigates friendships, faces bullying, and comes to terms with his feelings for another boy, Aiden embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
My Thoughts: Through humor and compassion, this graphic novel will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or bullied. Read it as a source of hope that being different still means you can be loved. Or read it to gain a new perspective on what it’s like to be marginalized.
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The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Banned/Challenged for “Rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, and EDI (equity, diversity, inclusion) content.”
Pecola Breedlove, an 11-year-old Black girl, longs for blue eyes in a society that equates beauty with whiteness. Through Pecola’s tragic quest for acceptance, Morrison skillfully explores deep themes of race, class, and gender, revealing the devastating impact of societal standards on individual identity. Celebrated for its lyrical prose and profound emotional depth, “The Bluest Eye” challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about societal norms and the nature of beauty, making it a powerful and essential read.
My Thoughts: This novel is a classic written by the abundantly talented and esteemed many times over, Toni Morrison. It’s not one to be read lightly, as it does have potentially triggering content. However, if you can read it, you will be rewarded with masterful storytelling.
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Banned/Challenged for “claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, and LGBTQIA+ content.”
In this poignant novel, five troubled teenagers confront the harsh realities of survival as they navigate the dark world of prostitution. Through their intertwined stories, readers are invited to empathize with their struggles for identity, belonging, and self-worth in a society that often ostracizes them. This frequently banned book challenges uncomfortable truths about societal issues that affect youth today.
My Thoughts: The book is told from five perspectives, one for each main character. As the story switches from character to character, readers share that they get immediately pulled into their powerful stories. However, the book seems to end too soon for most, leaving readers wondering about the characters’ fates.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Banned/Challenged for “claimed to be sexually explicit and profanity.”
Greg Gaines is just trying to survive high school life and fly below the radar in all social settings when his mother forces him into a reunion with his childhood friend Rachel, who has been diagnosed with leukemia. As Greg and his friend Earl decide to make a heartfelt yet hilariously inept film for her, they unexpectedly discover a friendship. This darkly humorous tale captures the awkwardness of adolescence and the transformative power of love.
My Thoughts: Readers mention how Greg, the narrator, has such a unique voice that his character stays with them long after the last page. Since I’m so intrigued by its writing style and the premise, I’m putting this book on my TBR list!
Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
Banned/Challenged for “claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, and LGBTQIA+ content.”
This graphic novel addresses the many questions teens face about their identity, bodies, and relationships in a straightforward and relatable manner. This comprehensive guide covers topics such as sexuality, consent, body image, and safe sex, making it an indispensable resource for adolescents. Despite some controversy surrounding its candid and visual approach, this book encourages open conversations, empowering readers to embrace their experiences and seek the answers they need.
My Thoughts: An editorial review from the School Library Journal sums up how to approach this book the best. While they acknowledge the book does contain detailed naked body drawings and information that goes beyond basic reproduction, they still highly recommend it for high school students because it’s “loaded with crucial information about consent, respect, consideration, and boundaries.”
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Banned/Challenged for “claimed to be sexually explicit and rape.”
A thirteen-year-old girl from Nepal is forced to leave her home to support her struggling family, only to be sold into a life of prostitution in India. This powerful narrative sheds light on the harsh realities young girls face in desperate situations and the resilience they exhibit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Banned for its unflinching depiction of mature and disturbing themes, this book spotlights the complex issues surrounding human trafficking and the strength of the human spirit.
My Thoughts: In an interview, Patricia McCormick, the author, shared that she spent significant time researching this book in India and Nepal, “going from a poor, isolated village in the foothills of the Himalayas all the way to the teeming red-light district of Calcutta.” The book is beautifully written in a series of scenes that spotlight the defining moments in this young girl’s tragic life.
Final Thoughts on Banned Books
These top 10 banned books showcase the power of storytelling and the debates around freedom of expression. There’s so much to discover, whether you’re curious about the reasons behind their bans, seeking to gain more empathy about the lives of others, or just looking for your next great read. Patricia McCormick, author of Sold, sums it up best. “To me, there is nothing more powerful- or permanent- than the impact of a book.”
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